Therapy Dog Talk: Recent Episodes
Sherrie Rohde
Join us weekly to talk with Therapy Dog teams and researchers around the world about the impact they're making in their area.
The Therapy Dog Talk podcast originates as an Instagram Live series on @therapydogtalk. Find out more at therapydogtalk.com.
Kentucky and Derby are puttin smiles on faces while at surf competitions and volunteering in schools.
In this 102nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Kentucky Gallahue and his Goldendoodle, Derby California. They’ve not only made a splash surfing together at surf dog competitions with their matching blue mohawks but have also warmed hearts as a Therapy Dog team through Love on a Leash, always living by their motto: “Puttin smiles on faces” wherever they go.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Kentucky and Derby balance surfing competitions and therapy work.
- What it was like to compete on “The Pack” on Prime and why they love adventures.
- Why it’s important to foster a deep connection with your dog.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
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How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/derbycalifornia
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/puttin-smiles-on-faces-with-kentucky-and-derby/
Nicole Selby and K9 Tanner are trailblazing integrating Facility Dogs into paramedicine.
In this 101st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Nicole Selby and her remarkable Community Paramedic Facility Dog, K9 Tanner, who are redefining the boundaries of healing in paramedicine through animal-assisted therapy. Their journey is not just a story of companionship but a pioneering exploration into how dogs like Tanner are becoming indispensable in medical settings.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Nicole and Tanner are leading the way in bringing Therapy Dogs into paramedicine, helping patients heal beyond traditional medical methods.
- The differences between Therapy, Facility, and Service Dogs, focusing on how each plays a unique part in support and care.
- What Nicole recommends for those interested in starting their journey in animal-assisted therapy.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/k9.medic.cp
https://instagram.com/pages.pens.paws
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/101
From office dog to Animal-Assisted Crisis Response and Dog Scouts of America, Tessa and Finn are always improving their bond.
In this 100th(!) episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Tessa Bodey and her Golden Retriever, Finn. Together, they navigate the impactful world of Animal-Assisted Crisis Response (AACR) with HOPE, achieve recognition through American Kennel Club (AKC) titles and Dog Scouts of America badges, as well as spread comfort and joy at LAX with the PUPs program.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Finn’s impactful role in HOPE’s Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, providing essential comfort during crises.
- Finn’s distinguished behavior as evidenced by his AKC CGCU and CGCA titles, showcasing his adaptability and discipline.
- Finn’s dual role in spreading joy at LAX with PUPs and exploring his creative side with Dog Scouts of America, highlighting his well-rounded capabilities as a therapy dog.—
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/finnbodey
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/100
Neil has a lot to share on how pet therapy found him and his rescued Beagle named Breezy.
In this 99th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with with Neil to discuss his Beagle Breezy’s extraordinary evolution. Starting as a rescue dog, Breezy rose to become an AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished (THDD), a journey that has not only changed lives, through his 700+ visits with Paws for Friendship, but also illustrated the profound impact and legacy of pet therapy.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Neil and Breezy’s impressive record of over 700 therapy visits and their lasting impact.
- Breezy’s journey from a rescue to achieving the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished title.
- The strong bond between Neil and Breezy, highlighting the essence of pet therapy.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
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How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/breezythetherapydog
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/99
Watch Neil's documentary:
https://youtu.be/zBng-zujBA4?si=KHAYLt73ZX5dZlS-
Brian knows the importance of finding a Therapy Dog organization that aligns with his lifestyle.
In this 98th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Brian about his journey with Riley, a Labrador-German Shepherd mix, from foster fail to heart dog and Therapy Dog. Together they are certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs and volunteer at their local Ronald McDonald House and on the DEN CATS airport therapy animal team.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Brian’s search for a Therapy Dog group that accepted Riley’s raw food diet.
- How Brian’s close relationship with Riley helped them choose the right therapy work.
- Brian’s willingness to try different volunteering places to find the best fit for Riley.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/casa_de_shepherd
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/98
Sumbul helps Budge thrive as a Therapy Dog by recognizing his needs and setting boundaries.
In this 97th episode of Therapy Dog Talk,I chat with Sumbul about her experiences with Budge, her English Bulldog, who transitioned from a family pandemic puppy to a beloved Therapy Dog. They are a certified team through Alliance of Therapy Dogs volunteering at their local hospice and on the DENCATS airport therapy animal team.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Budge's warm personality and adaptability make him an ideal Therapy Dog.
- The significance of setting boundaries and considering Budge's needs during therapy work.
- Sumbul's insights on the unique aspects of handling a Bulldog in therapy settings.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/budgethepudge
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/97
Kim Fontaine, President of AATSMA, advocates for unique breeds like her Akita Therapy Dogs.
In this 96th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kim Fontaine, the founder and president of Animal Assisted Therapy Services of Massachusetts (AATSMA). Kim’s journey with her Akitas, Tomo and Toshi, provides a unique perspective on Therapy Dog work.
In this episode, we discuss …
- The path Kim has taken to incorporate Akitas into her Therapy Dog program.
- The importance of respecting Therapy Dogs and understanding their professional role.
- The details of the training and education process at Animal Assisted Therapy Services of Massachusetts.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/aatsmaorg
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/96
Hallie shares what it’s like for Apgar to join her in Animal Assisted Therapy at a Psychiatric Hospital.
In this 95th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Hallie to talk about her adventures with Apgar, a Yellow Labrador who’s made an impressive switch from being a Guide Dog in training to a much-loved Therapy Dog. Their story is all about embracing life’s unexpected twists and using them to positively impact others.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Hallie helped Apgar transition from Guide Dog prospect to Therapy Dog.
- Why the deep bond between a handler and their Therapy Dog as crucial for successful therapy work.
- What it’s like to be a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs and how you can get involved.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/apgars_buddy_morris_
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/95
Ugnė and Kuna volunteer as a dog therapy team in Lithuania helping elementary kids and seniors.
In this 94th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Ugnė and her amazing rescue dog, Kuna, about their volunteer therapy work in Vilnius, Lithuania through Kaniterapijos asociacija. Ugnė tells us how she transformed Kuna from a reactive shelter pup into a certified Therapy Dog in 2022, ready to bring joy and comfort to those in need with a personal motto of “giving smiles to the ones who need it most.”
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Ugnė’s journey with Kuna began with tackling Kuna’s reactivity to other dogs, a challenge they overcame together.
- The significant and varied impacts that therapy dogs like Kuna can have, from bringing calmness to children to providing comfort to seniors.
- How anyone can become involved in Therapy Dog volunteering regardless of their professional background.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kuniterapija
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/94
Shannon created a Therapy Dog program with her dog Blue and advocates for Therapy Dog welfare.
In this 93rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Noonan, where she shared her experiences as a mental health professional, certified professional dog trainer and Therapy Dog handler with her rescued Great Dane Pointer mix, and heart dog, Blue.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How her research showed that Therapy Dogs can have a significant positive impact on people’s mental health.
- Why it’s important to recognize signs of stress and discomfort in dogs to ensure their well-being and happiness.
- How dogs, like humans, can change over time, physically or behaviorally and that it’s essential to recognize and respect this.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/spontondogspei
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/93
Sarah and her Klee Kai Pixel teach us the importance of advocating for your Therapy Dog.
In this 92nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Sarah and her talkative Klee Kai, Pixel. These two are more than just a therapy team; they’re a dynamic duo that showcases the essence of a handler-dog bond.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Sarah and Pixel’s strong connection that led them down the path of therapy work.
- Pixel’s interaction with a young hospital patient that demonstrates the profound impact Therapy Dogs can have.
- The importance of ongoing training, understanding the dog’s needs, and advocating for them.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/pixelthetherapydog_kleekai
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/92
Estella and her Therapy Poms work through their own traumas while helping others.
In this 91st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I talk with Estella about the heartwarming story of her senior Pomeranians, Monti and Finn, and their combined journey of healing and support.
In this episode, we discuss …
- The unique stories behind Monti and Finn becoming registered Therapy Dogs.
- Estella’s incredible experiences volunteering with her Therapy Poms, especially in the juvenile court system.
- The necessity of self-care for Therapy Dog handlers, taking from Estella’s own lessons learned from her trauma stories.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thearpypoms
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/91
How Christie’s Golden Retriever Frankie became the first School Therapy Dog in their district.In this 90th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I talk with Christie about her journey to bringing her son’s Golden Retriever, Frankie, to work with her as the district’s first School Therapy Dog. In this episode, we discuss … What it took to bring Frankie to work as the first School Therapy Dog in their district. * How Christie’s son Cash hopes to become a Junior Therapy Dog Handler. * Why it’s important to advocate for your dog and how doing so can help others.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/goldenboy.frankiehttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/90
Jennifer’s Bernedoodle Eclipse partners with her in Animal-Assisted Counseling as a therapy assistant.In this 89th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I welcome Jennifer Uhlman, a Marriage and Family Therapist, and her Bernedoodle, Eclipse. Jennifer shares the unique journey that led Eclipse from service dog training to partnering with her in Animal-Assisted Counseling, an unexpected pivot due to Eclipse’s health and anxiety-related issues.In this episode, we discuss … What it was like for Eclipse to transition from a Service Dog in training to a therapeutic assistant in Animal-Assisted Counseling. * How Eclipse has been helped clients in her therapy practice. * Why it’s important to recognize when your dog needs a break.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jennu_psych27https://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/89
✨ Become a confident, resilient Therapy Dog team in 10 weeks with my Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams course—limited time enrollment: https://sherrierohde.com/course
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Bree was surprised to find that her rescue dog Mickey was the perfect fit for a School Therapy Dog.
In this 88th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the privilege of speaking with Bree Long. Once a School Psychologist, Bree now dedicates her time to being a volunteer Therapy Dog handler, working alongside her rescue, a German Shepherd mix named Mickey.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Bree was surprised that it was her rescue who was the right fit for Therapy Dog work.
- Why it’s important to recognize your dog’s boundaries and know when they need a break.
- Where Bree has found ideas for Animal-Assisted Activities and which one is her favorite.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/mickey.thetherapydog
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/88
✨ Become a confident, resilient Therapy Dog team in 10 weeks with my Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams course—limited time enrollment: https://sherrierohde.com/course
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AAAIP Board Member Cathy Bennett is trailblazing Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) in Charleston.
In this 87th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Cathy Bennett, a key player in Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI). She’s the Therapy Dog Program Coordinator at the Medical University of South Carolina, a proud Board Member of the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), and an enthusiastic Goldendoodle lover.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Cathy fell in love with Goldendoodles before it was cool.
- What she looks for to make sure therapy animals enjoy their work.
- Why she’s involved on the Board of Directors at AAAIP.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/groovygoldendoodles
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/87
✨ Become a confident, resilient Therapy Dog team in 10 weeks with my Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams course—limited time enrollment: https://sherrierohde.com/course—Heidi knows what it takes to coordinate an Airport Therapy Dog program and has helped others to do the same.In this 86th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Heidi Huebner, founder of the LAX PUP Program, and her rescue dogs, Chance and Chubs, who are both certified through Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Heidi shared her inspiring journey from starting her work with Therapy Dogs in 2000 to founding the LAX PUP Program in 2013.In this episode, we discuss … How it’s important for a dog to have a temperament and personality that naturally enjoys Therapy Dog work. * What it took for Heidi to create the LAX PUP Program and how she helps others to do the same. * Why various working dog teams at an airport need to communicate with each other.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hhuebner28https://www.instagram.com/laxpupshttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/86
✨ Become a confident, resilient Therapy Dog team in 10 weeks with my Life Skills for Therapy Dog Teams course—limited time enrollment: https://sherrierohde.com/course—Kennedy pursued Therapy Dog training with her rescue and now she’s applying what she’s learned with her new prospect, Finn.In this 85th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kennedy Connor, a licensed child and adolescent therapist in Indianapolis. Kennedy shares about her therapy dog training journey with her four-year-old pup, Remy, a natural Therapy Dog “unicorn,” who has joined her in Animal-Assisted Therapy as well as the steps she’s taking to prepare her four month old field spaniel, Finn, for a future in therapy work.In this episode, we discuss … How Kennedy helped Remy to become a confident Therapy Dog. * What she looked for in selecting Finn as a therapy prospect. * How Therapy Dog training isn’t linear and is an ongoing effort.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/thementalhealthmuttshttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/85
Stasha Wong and her colleagues are creating positive Animal-Assisted Interactions in Singapore through Caring Canine Teams.
In this 84th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Stasha Wong, a director at Animal-Assisted Interactions Singapore (AAISG). A social scientist specializing in human-animal interactions and with experience from SOSD’s Healing Paws initiative, Stasha has a lot to share about best practices when working with animals. Together with AAISG’s founder, Adele Lau, a passionate animal welfare advocate, they lead an organization fueled by compassion, integrity, and empowerment.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why AAISG uses terms like Animal-Assisted Interactions and Caring Canine Teams.
- How AAISG hopes to set the standard for AAI in Southeast Asia and Asia Pacific.
- What it takes to become a Caring Canine Team and what they do.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/aaisingapore
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/84
Madi Sontag and her dog Remi are charting their own course together in Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy.In this 83rd episode ofTherapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Magi Sontag, an Occupational Therapy student set to graduate that weekend, about her capstone project at the therapy barn TREE House of Greater St. Louis where she and her dog Remi practicedAnimal-Assisted Occupational Therapy together. Before this project, they also volunteered together as a Therapy Dog team in Omaha through Alliance of Therapy Dogs where they visited several locations including libraries, universities, nursing homes and shelters for the unhoused.In this episode, we discuss …* Why Magi decided to volunteer with her dog Remi. * What it was like to find a place that would allow her to practice Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy. * Why it's important to connect with others who are partnering with their dogs.
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/sontag16https://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/83
Erin and her Australian Labradoodle Winston are making an impact in their community from children to first responders.
In this 82nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Erin and her seven-year-old Australian Labradoodle, Winston. We discuss their journey as a therapy dog team, including their experiences across a variety of settings including children’s hospitals and first responder units. Erin and Winston are certified by Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and First Responder Therapy Dogs, and Erin says Winston has a natural knack for comforting and supporting those in need, especially with children and first responders.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Erin decided she wanted to look for a therapy dog prospect.
- How Winston’s intuitive nature makes him an exceptional first responder support dog.
- Why it’s important to understand and respect your dog’s comfort in volunteer situations.
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I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!
—
How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:
http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
Follow us on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/winstonpettherapist
https://instagram.com/therapydogtalk
Episode show notes:
https://sherrierohde.com/82
Kilyn and her dog Bubbles, a cruelty survivor, have a unique way of reaching children who also have had a difficult past.
In this 81st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sit down with Kilyn Horton and her Pitbull rescue, Bubbles. We discuss their heartwarming journey together, focusing on how they help children who have experienced trauma or have disabilities. Kilyn found Bubbles while volunteering at Houston Pets Alive! after Hurricane Harvey. Despite her challenging past and injuries from a gunshot wound, Bubbles’ incredible resilience and loving nature make her a perfect therapy dog.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Bubbles’ incredible resilience and loving nature make her a perfect therapy dog.
- Why Kilyn and Bubbles focus on helping children who have experienced trauma or have disabilities.
- How they use their platform to spread awareness and educate children about animal cruelty.
Jessica and her Maltese Therapy Dog Hera know the secrets to volunteering with small dogs, and they’re here to share.In this 80th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Jessica and her Maltese, Hera, from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jessica has been volunteering with therapy dogs for over 10 years, starting in 2012, and Hera is her second therapy dog. We discuss their experiences volunteering with PALS (Pet Access League Society), a local non-profit organization that enhances the lives of Calgarians through the human-animal bond.In this episode, we discuss … How therapy dogs help improve the experience of patients and medical staff. * What the benefits are of small dogs like Maltese in therapy work and how to train them. * Why it’s important to advocate for your dog, including planning breaks and retirement.*
Heather and her Golden Retriever, Dolly, join forces to inspire a love for reading, creating bookworms one child at a time.In this 79th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Heather and her Golden Retriever, Dolly, about their inspiring work in creating bookworms by combining Heather’s passion for education with Dolly’s natural bond with children. Heather shares her journey as an educator and how she and Dolly became a successful therapy dog team.In this episode, we discuss … How Therapy Dogs can foster a love for reading by boosting kids’ confidence. * Why it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s needs and know when they need a break. * How continuous training is important for therapy dog teams to stay effective and adaptable.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/creatingbookwormshttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/79
Miranda has many goals and one of them is starting a Therapy Dog program at the rural Alaska Native Hospital.In this 78th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I chat with Miranda and her two Brittany Spaniels, Arya and Mazy, about their inspiring work with Indigenous Peoples in rural Alaska. We discuss Miranda’s passion for sharing her therapy dogs and her goal to start a Therapy Dog program at the Alaska Native Hospital.In this episode, we discuss … How Miranda’s Therapy dogs provide support to remote Alaskan Indigenous Peoples. * What she does to incorporate cultural elements into her Therapy Dog work. * Why commitment to ongoing training is essential for Therapy Dogs.*
—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/aryabearthebrittanyhttps://instagram.com/mazybearthebrittanyhttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes: https://sherrierohde.com/78
Cara is creating social emotional learning curriculum inspired by her experiences volunteering with her dog Little Dude.
In this 77th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Cara Zelas, an early childhood educator with Montessori certification, and her Shih Tzu Bichon Poodle mix Little Dude about their experiences volunteering with The Good Dog Foundation and how it’s inspired her to create a social emotional learning curriculum for children.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Cara’s experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog team inspired her to author a series.
- What Cara enjoys about volunteering through the Good Dog Foundation.
- Why it’s important for children to access social emotional learning at home and in school.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @worldoflittledude.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @ladyjustice_thedoodle.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @sailor_bythesea.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @jeditheshihtzu.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @wechoseleo.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @brucethetherapydog.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @surfdogricochet.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @K9Murphy.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @magnusthetherapydog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @archerthetherapydog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @mollyrose.therapydog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @leslees_therapydogs.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @dr.sepi_pawhd.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @jameson_the_aussie.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @woodydabasset.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @gsdlincoln.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their work at @animalangelsfoundation.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
If you’ve wondered how you can help to grow Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in Animal-Assisted Therapy—this episode with Mel is for you.
In this 60th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, Mel Trueblood-Stimpson, a Scientist, Consultant, Charity Director and Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy professional in Ohio, who is currently in the field of Neuroethology and focuses on decolonization work in STEM in addition to working with their therapy partner Bowie, a Norwegian Forest cat mix.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How working with the unhoused led Mel to Animal-Assisted Therapy.
- Why Mel got involved in training and education for Animal-Assisted Social Work.
- What we can do to address our own biases and awareness.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their work at @ludarbehavior.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Dena and her tripod Therapy Dog, a Pitbull rescue she named Petey, are helping to teach acceptance.
In this 59th episode ofTherapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Dena, an Alliance of Therapy Dogs Tester/Observer in Oklahoma, about her experiences experiences volunteering with her tripod Therapy Dog Petey. Together they’ve logged over 300 episodes earning Petey theAKC title of Therapy Dog Excellent and along the way they’ve won over every heart that Petey has met, teaching acceptance through the unconditional love of a dog.
In this episode, we discuss …
- What Dena looks for in a dog as a temperament evaluator.
- How Petey helped a child to find strength to recover.
- Why it’s important to treat others with the unconditional love of our dogs.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @tripodpetey.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Finding the right fit as a Therapy Dog team can involve a fair bit of trial and error, but Tara knows that navigating that journey has been worth it for her and Juno.
In this 58th episode ofTherapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Tara about about her experiences over the last 10 years of volunteering in Pittsburgh through both Therapy Dogs International and Alliance of Therapy Dogs with her Labrador Juno.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Tara figured out the right environment for volunteering with Juno.
- Who Juno has a celebrity nickname with on the PIT PAWS.
- What Tara and Juno both enjoy about doing this work.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @tarahoover.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Minal Kavishwar pioneers pet therapy and Animal-Assisted Counseling in India through the Animal Angels Foundation.
In this 57th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Minal Kavishwar about her work over the past decade bringing pet therapy to India and pioneering Animal-Assisted Counseling through the Animal Angels Foundation. In 2003, as a dog trainer, Minal was approached by a principal who wanted to incorporate animals at her school for children with special needs. Since she was also wrapping up her Masters in Clinical Psychology at the time, Minal knew the importance of documenting her work, seeking out best practices and connecting with international expert such as Dr. Cynthia Chandler.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Where Minal sought out research on Animal-Assisted Interventions.
- What it is like to partner with Therapy Dogs who do not live with her.
- How she continues to pioneer pet therapy and Animal-Assisted Counseling in India.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow her journey at @mi_minal and @animalangelsfoundation.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Eva and Sandra are reaching children in India through their Therapy Dog initiative Woofers Snow and Sky.
In this 56th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Eva about her experiences pioneering animal-assisted interventions in Ahmedabad, India, alongide Sandra and their certified Therapy Dogs Snow, Sky, Storm, Shine and Sandy. Eva shares how she and Sandra met at a Therapy Dog workshop in Ahmedabad led by an instructor from Turkey and how they partnered together to create an initiative that they call Woofers Snow and Sky.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Eva and Sandra are reaching children in India with their Therapy Dogs.
- What it has been like to pave the way for more Therapy Dogs in Ahmedabad.
- How Woofers Snow and Sky is a catalyst for mindfulness through growing the human-animal bond.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @woofers_snowandsky.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Katee enjoys volunteering at Phoenix Children's Hospital with her Maltese Therapy Dogs Coco and Cici.
In this 55th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Katee about her experiences volunteering with her Maltese Therapy Dogs Coco and Cici. When her youngest daughter started college, Katee knew that she wanted to volunteer at Phoenix Children's Hospital so she started out as a therapy animal escort to decide if it was the right fit for Coco to join her.
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Katee began volunteering as an escort for other therapy animal teams.
- What she and her dogs enjoy the most about volunteering together.
- What questions you might want to ask before getting started.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @cocothemaltesedog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin saw a need for further research in Animal-Assisted Interventions and jumped right in.
In this 54th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin, about her experiences incorporating therapy animals into her own work as a mental health professional as well as her roles as Executive Director at the Association of Animal Assisted Interventions Professionals (AAAIP) and the National Director of AAI Advancement at Pet Partners.
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Taylor began her career as a dog trainer before becoming a mental health professional.
- Why she decided to contribute to AAI research and standardization.
- What you should look for in selecting a therapy animal organization.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @drtcgtherapyanimals.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow Dr. Colleen Dell's work at @pawsitivecanineconnections.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
School Counselor Kailey shares the impact that her Certified Therapy Dog Leo makes when she brings him to work with her.
In this 52nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Kailey, a School Counselor in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, about her experiences training her Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Leo to come to work with her as a Certified Therapy Dog.
If you're ready to learn more about how Kailey and Leo are partnering at school, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Kailey was introduced to the idea of Therapy Dogs at a conference she attended.
- What she found helpful while training Leo to come to work with her.
- How Kailey has learned to advocate for Leo’s needs at school.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @leothelovey.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Ending firefighter mental health stigma through the LA County Fire Peer Support Team with Jake Windell and Echo.
In this 51st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Los Angeles County Firefighter Jake Windell about how he partners with Echo, a 5 year old Yellow Labrador, to end the stigma of mental health for firefighters through the LA County Fire Peer Support Team.
If you're ready to learn more about how Jake and Echo are making an impact on firefighter mental health, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Where Jake found his inspiration to bring a Therapy Dog onto the team.
- How other departments have been inspired to bring dogs on board for their firefighters.
- What Jake does to make sure both he and Echo have the support they need as well.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @echothefiredog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Volunteering for over 15 years with her dog Maggie has CPDT-KA Nicole Ellis brimming with Therapy Dog stories to share.
In this 50th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Nicole Ellis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Los Angeles based celebrity dog trainer, who had many Therapy Dog stories to share about her experiences volunteering with her dog Maggie. We also discussed how this work fits into her goal of helping others to do more with their dogs and how she helps her clients to knwo if Therapy Dog work is a good fit for them.
If you're ready to learn more about Nicole and Maggie's many experiences as a volunteer Therapy Dog team, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- What inspired Nicole to start volunteering with her dog.
- How she decided which organizations were a good fit.
- Why she does different activities with Maggie than with her other dog, Rossi.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @tailswithnicole and @maggieandrossi.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become an Australian Therapy Dog team, Adam is here to share his experience.
In this 49th episode ofTherapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Adam, a Social Worker in Australia, about his experiences working and volunteering as an Australian Therapy Dog team with his Golden Retriever Sophie.
If you’re ready to learn more about Adam and Sophie’s experience as an Australian Therapy Dog team, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Adam thought Sophie would be a good fit for therapy work.
- What their training process was like to become a certified therapy dog team.
- How Adam has seen Sophie bring joy to those who they meet.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @sophie_the_therapy_dog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Lena and her Sheepadoodle Birdie are gearing up for base camps and fire season as a First Responder Therapy Dog team.
In this 48th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Lena, Associate Director on the board at First Responder Therapy Dogs, about her experiences volunteering with her Sheepadoodle Birdie at base camps, hospitals, and schools through Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and First Responder Therapy Dogs.
For Lena, becoming a Therapy Dog team is personal. At 10 years old, she was diagnosed with Chron's Disease and spent quite a bit of time in children's hospitals to receive treatments. While he was there, she was visited by Therapy Dogs and witnessed firsthand the positive impact they can make for kids. Additionally, she has quite a few friends who are first responders, so the ability to volunteer with police, fire and dispatch also holds a special place in her heart.
During fire season in Northern California, Lena and Birdie travel to base camps for 2-3 days at a time where they help provide emotional comfort to firefighters through pet therapy with Birdie. Even though it feels like a short trip, these visits require quite a bit of gear including shoes for Birdie and her First Responder Therapy Dogs vest as well as water, trading cards and a first aid kit in addition to the basics like food, bedding and shampoo to clean the smoke out of Birdie's fur each evening.
If you're ready to learn more about how Lena and Birdie volunteer with first responders, and how you can join them, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Lena found out about Therapy Dogs through her own experiences.
- What you can do to prepare your dog to volunteer with first responders.
- Why helping first responders is personal for Lena.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @therapy_bird.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Taylor helps children grow their confidence to read out loud with her Therapy Dog experience Books with Benji.
In this 47th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Taylor about her experiences volunteering with her 105lb Great Pyrenees mix Benji in their local read to a dog program, Paws to Read, through Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). They’ve built on top of this program to offer their own private reading sessions for kids who need more time, which Taylor likes to call Books with Benji. Taylor and Benji are located in Charlotte, North Carolina, and also volunteer in assisted living homes and are hoping to get started with a craft program for children with disabilities.
With a background in vet medicine and a love of psychology, Taylor knew that she was interested in Therapy Dog work as soon as she found out about it from her colleague Kim who's dog Kovu, a German Shepherd, volunteers in airports and courthouses in addition to being an actor. Once Benji became comfortable with his new life with Taylor, it became clear to Taylor as well as to her colleagues, that he had more love to give than just one person, or even one office, could receive. So after making sure he gave therapy to everyone at their animal hospital, Taylor decided to train him to become a Therapy Dog so that they could begin volunteering together.
While Benji asks for love from everyone he sees, it's clear to Taylor that he truly enjoys working with the children they see at the library as their energy and willingness to give pets light him up on their visits. Benji isn't the only one who benefits from these visits; in fact, Taylor actually isn't sure which one of them enjoys volunteering more but it's safe to say Benji is always ready for an adventure by her side.
If you’re ready to learn more about Taylor and Benji’s volunteer work, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Where Taylor found Benji and volunteered to rescue him.
- What Taylor does to help children who feel intimidated by Benji’s size.
- Where Taylor finds opportunities to volunteer with Benji.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @benjis_therapies.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
For Lindsay, becoming a school therapy dog team with her Blue Merle Aussiedoodle Tucker was challenging but worth it.
In this 46th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Lindsay, a special education teacher in New Jersey, about her experiences working with her Blue Merle Aussiedoodle Tucker as a school therapy dog team. Having seen therapy dogs in action during summer school, Lindsay knew that she was interested in pursuing training her own dog but with a high-energy breed she also knew that they had quite a bit of training ahead of them. Thankfully, she found a Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs evaluator who also holds classes in her area for training therapy dogs.
If you're ready to learn more about Lindsay's work with Tucker, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Lindsay knew that her Aussiedoodle needed a job—and gave him two.
- What she did to help prepare Tucker to be a School Therapy Dog.
- How's she's implemented Tucker's talking pet buttons at school.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @_tucker_dood_.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Monica and her Dalmatian Therapy Dogs are making an impact relieving stress for passengers at their local airport.
In this 45th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Monica about volunteering with her Dalmatian Therapy Dogs Quint and Orio as well as her experiences as a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) and what it was like to start up P.E.T.S.—the airport Therapy Dog program in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Monica has also been on the ATD board since 2017 where she is currently involved in the Grievance and Ethics committee as we well as Social Media and Public Relations.
With a house full of five dogs, Monica already has a lot on her plate but she has been passionate about dogs for as long as she can remember and is now passing that on to her daughter who is currently training their youngest dog Hip Hop in hopes that they can volunteer together as a Junior Handler team when she turns 12. Monica and her husband currently volunteer together with their Dalmatian Therapy Dogs Quint and Orio and have had two other Dalmatian partners in the past—Delta, now over the rainbow bridge, and Doc, now retired.
As you can imagine, Monica has quite a bit to share about what she's observed in her own dogs as well as in those she's encountered while volunteering as a T/O and alongside the rest of the P.E.T.S. Ambassadors—comprised of soon-to-be seven dogs with a variety of breeds from Dalmatians and Golden Retrievers to a Yorkie and a Pekingese who, according to Monica, is very good at her job.
You won't want to miss Monica's drive to get involved in pet therapy, so let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Monica became a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs.
- How she founded the Therapy Dog program at Myrtle Beach Airport.
- What she’s learned over the years about volunteering with multiple Dalmatian Therapy Dogs.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @the.hero.dogs.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Inspired by his dog Winston, John set out to create his own pet therapy program Moments with Win.
In this 44th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with John about his journey through the Pet Assisted Therapy Certificate program at Providence College that led to creating his own pet therapy program, Moments with Win. What started out as neighborhood walks with his puppy, Winston, became a mission to find more ways to spread joy in his community. Now John and Winston are a credentialed team through Windwalker Humane Coalition for Professional Pet Assisted Therapy.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to create your own pet therapy program, John is generous enough to walk us through his full three course experience as well as learnings from their internship. Peppered throughout this episode, are many examples of how John has seen his dog Winston bring joy to those they meet which has allowed them to create meaningful experiences in their community.
John recently brought home a new puppy, Finley, that he’s hoping 3-year-old Winston will help him to train. If Finley enjoys people the way that his big brother Winston does, there may be room for an expansion in the program! Either way, John has learned that training requires patience and perseverance and that it’s all about the journey.
You won’t want to miss John’s genuine spirit as he shares his experiences, so let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How John created his own Therapy Dog program—Moments with Win.
- What it was like to go through the pet assisted therapy certification program at Providence College.
- How Winston is helping to train their new puppy Finley.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @momentswithwin.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
For Marcia, avoiding volunteer burnout is essential in order to continue sharing her Therapy Dog Charlie with others.
In this 43rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Marcia about her experiences volunteering as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Therapy Dog team in Georgia with her 3-year-old Golden Retriever Charlie, why she has always referred to him as “a Puppy with a Purpose”, and the incredible pet therapy resource that she’s put together on her website while documenting their journey.
When Marcia was getting ready to retire from a career of teaching, someone advised her to retire to something rather than retire from. She knew this meant it was time for her to find her animal partner to volunteer with as a Therapy Dog team. Soon after, she found Charlie and knew that they were going to make an impact together.
Along the way, she learned that it was important to really know her dog in. away that allowed her to identify even small changes in his behavior. When she noticed a difference in how he was interacting with children on visits, she mentioned it to her community of fellow Therapy Dog handlers and they helped her see that Charlie’s current pace may burn him out from the work that he loved to do. Marcia gave Charlie a week off and he bounced right back to his earlier self while on visits. Now Marcia knows that even though it can be hard to say no, it’s important for them to cut back on visits and find a pace that both she and Charlie can enjoy for years to come while avoiding volunteer burnout.
The relationship that Marcia has built with Charlie has led to a deeper understanding of who he is and allows her to not only identify when he needs some time off but also to help predict when a situation may be too much. While Charlie can typically handle even a challenging environment, it is without a doubt that he values how much care Marcia puts into knowing his needs and being his biggest advocate.
If you’re ready to hear about how Marcia and Charlie are making an impact in their area, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why the book Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog holds so much meaning for Marcia.
- How Charlie is a good fit for Therapy Dog work.
- What Marcia does to help protect Charlie from volunteer burnout.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @charliethetherapy.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Volunteer pet therapy team Nicole and Eleanor love to share their bond to help brighten the day for others.
In this 41st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Nicole about her experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog team in Florida with her 70lb rescue dog Eleanor, what she loves about being registered through Pet Partners, and how she knew Eleanor would enjoy this work.
When Nicole’s friend told her about registering her bulldog as a Therapy Dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, she was inspired but didn’t know how to get started and didn’t feel that she had the right dog for volunteer pet therapy at the time. After rescuing Eleanor, she noticed her positive interactions with a variety of people and it ocurred to her that she had something special to share with others.
After doing some research, Nicole discovered that Pet Partners stood out to her as an organization that she would like to work with and from there progressed through the training and evaluation that they provide to become a registered pet therapy team. She especially liked that the training is for both humans and dogs as it provided additional opportunities for her to bond with her dog.
If you’re ready to hear about how Nicole and Eleanor volunteer at a local adult daycare facility, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Nicole helps Eleanor to connect with people who may be timid around large dogs
- Why a brush is helpful for them to bring on visits.
- What Nicole loves about volunteering through Pet Partners.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @pettherapy_eleanor.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
San Diego Therapy Dog team Sarah and Cocoa have jumped all paws in to volunteering through Love on a Leash.
In this 41st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Sarah about experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog team in Southern California with her Maltipoo Schnauzer Cocoa, how a visit to her grandparents inspired her to start this journey, and how they practice self-care after visits.
When ESA laws changed and Cocoa could no longer fly on her lap, Sarah looked into how to register her dog as a Therapy Dog. While she thought that this would. bea loophole, she quickly learned that being a Therapy Dog does not grant her this access. However, on that trip she witnessed the special way that Cocoa was able to connect with her grandparents and saw in her the potential to be a volunteer Therapy Dog after all.
(PSA: If you’re not familiar with the differences between ESAs, Therapy Dogs, and Service Animals definitely familiarize yourself.)
Sarah talked to her trainer and found out about a six-week prep course for San Diego Therapy Dog prospects. At the end of the course, Sarah decided to certify Cocoa through Love on a Leash and they have been volunteering together since June 2022. While they both thoroughly enjoy their visits and bringing joy to others, Sarah noted that some of the visits can be emotionally challenging compared to others and that she always makes sure that she and Cocoa can take the time that they need to rest and recover to avoid burnout and continue to. bethere for others.
If you’re ready to hear about Sarah and Cocoa’s experiences so far, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Cocoa’s training journey to Therapy Dog and the prep course that helped teach the basics.
- Why Sarah chose to certify through Love on a Leash and how it’s been a positive experience.
- What Sarah finds to be truly rewarding about their pet therapy visits.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @lilmiss_cocoa.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Kenzie has a heart for Animal-Assisted Therapy and is partnering with her Goldendoodle Kopa in her social work.
In this 40th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Kenzie about her experience in learning what it takes to implement Animal-Assisted Therapy into her work as a social worker as well as her experience training her Goldendoodle Kopa who is now a registereed Therapy Dog through Pet Partners.
While Kenzie has always loved dogs, it wasn't until later that she learned the differences between Emotional Suppot Animals, Service Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. Since then she has received a Masters in Social Work with a certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work which she is putting to use by implementing Animal-Assisted Therapy at the clinic where she works and partners with Kopa to reach their clients in a different way than she could on her own.
We spent quite a bit of time talking about what we've learned through our respective programs for mental health professionals, what the training and evaluation is like with Pet Partners, how she helps Kopa to build his confidence, and how she knew that Kopa was the right dog for her to embark on this journey together.
If you're ready to hear about Kenzie and Kopa's experience so far, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- The differences between two Animal-Assisted Therapy programs for mental health professionals.
- What it's the Pet Partners training and evaluation experience was like for them.
- How Kenzie has helped Kopa to build his confidence with inanimate objects.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @kopadoodle.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Tracy enjoys volunteering with her two Therapy Cats Roger and Sal and wishes that other cat owners would join her.
In this 39th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Tracy about what it's like to volunteer with her two Therapy Cats, Roger and Sal through Pet Partners. That's right, hold on to your pups because this week we're talking felines.
"But Sherrie, this is Therapy DOG Talk!"
Don't worry friend, we will get back to dogs next week.
While Sunny is my pet that you probably know the best, if you follow her on Instagram you likely know that she has an older cat sister—Matilda, who is 16. What you may not know is that Matilda freelanced as a Therapy Cat for my mom when she was on hospice. She is far too unreliable to do volunteer pet therapy for others; however, my lifelong love of cats did prime me for many of the cat-specific questions for Tracy, such as:
"What do you do about their tiny paw knives?"
Tracy calls these "murder mittens" or "making biscuits," and it turns out that she doesn't have to worry about them as her cats were raised by dogs and are natural at therapy work. In fact, Roger loves pet therapy work so much that he saves almost all of his purrs for volunteering. Lucky for him, Tracy doesn't take it too personal.
In a world full of volunteer Therapy Dogs, Tracy has found that being a Therapy Cat team helps them to stand out in a crowd and to brighten the days of cat lovers in hospice and at the local children's hospital. It's her hope that other cat owners will recognize their feline's potential and help Roger and Sal to spread the joy to those who need it.
If you're ready to hear what it's like to volunteer with a cat, or two, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How being raised by a dog made Roger a natural at pet therapy.
- What the requirements are for volunteering with a cat through Pet Partners.
- What to look for in a cat to know if they would enjoy, and be suitable for, pet therapy.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @therapycatroger and @therapycatsal.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Dr. Sunday Agbonika is pioneering Animal-Assisted Interventions in Nigeria with a specific goal of helping children with Autism.
In this 38th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Dr. Sunday Agbonika, a Veterinary Surgeon, dog trainer, and 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow, about his journey to bringing Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) to his country, Nigeria, and what his goals are in doing so. Dr. Sunday first discovered the power of AAI in watching a short documentary by Nathan Selove. In this video, Nathan tells his own story of how Sylvia, his Assistance Dog, helped him to thrive with Autism. For Dr. Sunday, this was personal, as he had a nephew whom he believed to be similar to Nathan. While his nephew had passed away two years prior to finding the video, Dr. Sunday wanted to help other Nigerian children with special needs.
One of the biggest challenges that Dr. Sunday encountered is the stigma surrounding children with special need in Nigeria. In order to access the children who he believed could benefit from AAI, Dr. Sunday ended up pursuing opportunities for Animal Assisted Therapy in special education centers as opposed to directly introducing the idea of Service Animals to individual families. He now works with multiple species including a turtle, rabbits, and two dogs—Tish, a crowd favorite, and Bishop who both live for the love they receive while working with children.
While Dr. Sunday, a dog lover since birth, loves to see the joy and happiness on the faces of the children that they work with through his organization, Dogalov, what also fuels him is the feedback that they receive from teachers and caregivers. He shares the story of two boys who went from a lack of motivation to coming alive when they met the dogs. Dr. Sunday’s therapy dogs were so impactful for these boys that the teachers shared their newfound motivation with their parents and they both were able to get their own dogs at home to continue to improve their lives outside of the center.
Dr. Sunday’s efforts in Nigeria led him to become a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow where he was placed in LeHigh University where he was able to get involved in Equi-librium, an equine therapy facility for children with special needs, as well as to meet the international AAI community and connect with mentors around the world including Dr. Elizabeth Omerod who was instrumental to introducing the human-animal bond in the UK. These experiences led to shaping his work back home in Nigeria as well as to founding the first ever intra-African AAI conference.
If you’re ready to learn more about Dr. Sunday’s AAI work in Nigeria, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Dr. Sunday discovered animal-assisted interventions through a short documentary.
- Which animals Dr. Sunday partners with and what his dogs Tish and Bishop love about being Therapy Dogs.
- How Dr. Sunday is bringing together his community and international leaders in AAI.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @drsenos.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Kim and her Greyhound Therapy Dog Bubbles bring the fun to their campus visits as part of the founding BGSU PAWS Team.
In this 37th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Kim and Bubbles—a Greyhound Therapy Dog team who have found their place volunteering as part of the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) PAWS Team. BGSU reached out to Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) looking for dogs to fill their starting lineup on a mission to help destress students on their campus. Not only were Kim and Bubble up to the task, but they have found ways to bring their own personalities to the work in a way that even won over the hearts of the SICSIC, a secret society on campus.
(Here’s hoping Bubbles in an honorary member for the 2022-23 school year, right?)
Bubbles is not the only dog in the household, and not even the only Greyhound, but Kim has been able to identify which parts of her personality make her interested in volunteering as well a good fit for volunteering. She shared with us why her other Greyhound, Piper, would not be able to volunteer without being a safety risk or squashing a key part of how she expresses happiness and how her daughter’s dog, while not socialized enough for campus visits, excels at showing off her tricks during their virtual pet therapy visits through Pets Together.
If you’re ready to catch Kim’s contagious joy in sharing her journey with Bubbles, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Kim knew early on that Bubbles would enjoy Therapy Dog work.
- What gear Kim and Bubbles always have on hand (paw?) during visits.
- How Bubbles won the hearts of a secret society and our hope that she become an honorary member.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @bubbles.therapy.dog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Being a Junior Therapy Dog team with her pup Millie is the beginning of a dog-centered career for Holden.
In this 36th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Holden and Millie—a Junior Therapy Dog team in College Station, Texas, with over 100 visits so far. Holden fell in love with dogs in 4th grade while seeing Therapy Dogs assist college students with stress relief and began dreaming of a career working with dogs. Three years later, she had the opportunity to learn more about what it would take to volunteer with a dog when Aggieland Pets with a Purpose visited her school library and she decided pet therapy would be a great place to start learning how to train and work with dogs.
Now 17, and getting ready to enter her senior year of high school, Holden has her sights set on working with either Facility Dogs or Therapy Dogs. If you have advice on how she can continue down this journey, she would love for you to reach out to her through Millie’s Instagram account: @milliethetherapydog. Before you run off to give her a follow, make sure you check out the episode to hear how Holden and Millie are impacting those they visit in memory care as well as a coveted list of what items they find essential to take with them on their dog therapy visits and how they prepare for it all.
If you’re ready to take in Holden’s enthusiasm and hear her story, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Holden’s first experience with Therapy Dogs inspired her to work with dogs.
- What it’s like to connect with residents in memory care and how they’ve impacted Holden.
- An important reminder to know your dog’s limits and be ready to advocate for them.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @milliethetherapydog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
What’s it like for a family to work with volunteer Therapy Dogs? The Wadleys weigh in with their experiences.
In this 35th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Jared Wadley, News Magazine Editor for Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and his sons Jordan and Devin about their experiences with their past, present, and future volunteer Therapy Dogs Bella, Legend, and Bree. After hearing their story, it’s safe to say the Wadleys love Collies and volunteering through pet therapy.
Jared discovered the opportunity to volunteer with his dogs after moving from California to Michigan and seeking out ways to help his new community. At the time he had two Shetland Sheepdogs who he didn’t feel would be up to the task, so he adopted Bella with the goal to pursue dog therapy together. Bella’s temperament was what Jared was looking for, and she had previous obedience training, but she needed a bit of socializing in order to feel confident around other dogs. When Bella let Jared know she was ready to retire, he adopted Legend, a former show dog in need of a new home. Unlike Bella, Legend was well socialized but lacked basic obedience cues. At 12 years old, Legend is now nearing retirement, but the Wadleys are already working on their newest member of the family and future Therapy Dog: Bree.
Bree is the first puppy that Jared’s sons have had and he is enjoying utilizing this period of working from home part time to combine the socialization Bella needed with the obedience cues that he taught Legend. While Bree’s first goal will be replacing Legend, Jared hopes that in two year’s time they will be able to travel the country as a Crisis Response Team.
Along the way, Jared’s sons joined him with the dogs as Junior Handlers where they were able to learn how to feel confident talking to people from many walks of life while sharing their dogs and taking note of the impact they were able to make. In fact, Devin was so inspired that he is now a Social Work student with his sights set on Animal Assisted Therapy.
If you’re ready to hear from the Wadleys about their wide variety of experiences, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Jared discovered Therapy Dogs and encouraged his sons to join him as Junior Handlers.
- What it has been like to train three dogs to volunteer in a variety of settings.
- The unexpected benefits of volunteering as a Junior Handler.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @bree_the_therapydog.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Mental health professional Xochitl is making a positive impact with her Labradoodle Lucy, a certified Therapy Dog.
In this 34th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Xochitl, a mental health professional in Southern California who, through her work in social services and social work, saw the impact Therapy Dogs were making in schools and decided that she wanted to do the same. After dong some research, she found Lucy—a Labradoodle who became the perfect addition to her family at the same time as participating in pet therapy through volunteering and working with Xochitl.
Xochitl learned quite a bit while navigating the challenges of training a dog during COVID and shares what it was like to look for volunteer opportunities during a worldwide pandemic. Nevertheless, she persisted and she and Lucy found many opportunities to grow their bond together at the same time as making an impact with those around them.
What’s next for them? Xochitl hopes to open a private practice this summer where Lucy will work alongside her to continue to help the children and adults who come their way. She shares a few examples of the unique connection canines can make on people who don’t benefit as much from talk therapy alone and we talk about some of the other examples of Animal Assisted Therapy in research as well a some of the special considerations such as insurance.
If you’re ready to hear more from Xochitl and her positive pooch Lucy, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Xochitl discovered Therapy Dogs in her work as a mental health professional.
- What she does to continue Lucy’s socialization and skill development.
- Things you may want to know when working with a dog in a professional setting.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @lucylu_pawsitivepup.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Certified dog trainer Michelle knows how important it is to understand what her Therapy Dog, Pippin, needs on their visits.
In this 33rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with certified dog trainer Michelle of Pooch Parenting who volunteers through First Responder Therapy Dogs with her dog, Pippin. In addition to her Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) credentials, Michelle is also a Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM-K) and Behavior Counselor. It's safe to say she knows her stuff when it comes to working with dogs. Lucky for us, she generously shared her insights on greeting dogs and working with Therapy Dogs through the lens of her own experiences.
Michelle's background has provided her with the ability to read Pippin and understand what it is he enjoys about pet therapy work and also which environments just weren't the right fit for him. She has learned how to advocate for Pippin and to use those moments where he doesn't want to say hi as an opportunity to educate others on how to greet a dog. As an expert in this space, Michelle knows that dog bites are preventable and spreads awareness on how to prevent them.
Her biggest advice to prospective Therapy Dog teams is to "Go in with an optimistic goal in mind, but not to be attached to that because ultimately your dog is the one who has to decide if they enjoy the job." Animal Welfare is crucial when working or volunteering as a pet therapy team and it is up to you to recognize whether or not your dog (or other therapy animal) is enjoying meeting new people and is comfortable in the environments you volunteer or work in.
If you're ready to hear more from Michelle about her experiences volunteering with Pippin, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Michelle knows that Pippin enjoys volunteering as a Therapy Dog.
- What she is looking for in adding a second Therapy Dog to the family.
- How important it is to listen to your dog and put their needs first.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @poochparenting.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Tanya says her special needs Therapy Dog Boone provides unique opportunities to connect with children with special needs.
In this 32nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Tanya who volunteers through Alliance of Therapy Dogs with her special needs Therapy Dog, Boone. Boone is Tanya's second special needs rescue. Her first rescue, Joey, inspired her to help other disabled dogs to find forever homes by providing them with wheelchairs and prosthetics through their non-profit Joey's Paw. As of the date of this recording, Joey's Paw has helped 1,125 dogs. For Tanya, this was a way to make meaning out of the suffering that Joey had endured prior to finding his home with them.
When Tanya brought Boone home, she knew right away that, after he received the medical help that he needed, he would enjoy being a volunteer Therapy Dog. It turns out, her intuition was spot on as she shared stories of Boone's love of working with children as well as his pat downs from the Pittsburgh Airport TSA when volunteering at the airport.
Like our friend Cole the Deaf Dog, Boone's disability has provided opportunities for them to reach children with special needs in a way that is unique to how those same children interact with other Therapy Dogs.
If you're ready to hear more from Tanya about her experiences volunteering with Boone, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Tanya knew that Boone would enjoy volunteering as a Therapy Dog.
- What inspired Tanya to found her non-profit Joey's Paw and how they've helped over 1,000 other dogs.
- How Boone's wheelchair allows them to reach children with special needs as well people who are afraid of dogs.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @a.mircale.named.boone.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Retired Guide Dog Otto has found his calling as a volunteer Therapy Dog with his puppy raiser, Kathie.
In this 31st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Kathie who volunteers through Alliance of Therapy Dogs with her Golden Retriever, and retired Guide Dog, Otto. In hearing their story, it is no surprise that his Instagram is @ottosgoldenheart and it may even be safe to say that learned it from Kathie.
Kathie and her husband are puppy raisers for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind in New York. When their first program puppy permanently joined their family due to health conditions, they decided they wanted to thank the organization for bringing her into their lives by raising another for the foundation: Otto.
Otto entered the working world right as New York was shut down due to the pandemic in 2020. In the rush to protect everyone’s safety during uncertain times, he was sent home with his new handler in Arizona without a chance to say goodbye to Kathie and her husband. However, just four to five months later he found himself back in Georgia as it turned out he was not enjoying life as a Guide Dog.
For Kathie and her husband, it was a “no-brainer” to welcome him back into their family and they were certain, based on his early experience with them, that he would make a great Therapy Dog. Kathie was already in touch with Hallie and knew that her career changed Guide Dog Buddy was working alongside her in Animal Assisted Therapy so she reached out for Hallie’s advice on how to get started. Kathie and Otto passed their test and have been volunteering for one year.
If you’re ready for a heart-warming episode full of Kathie’s stories about the impact that Otto makes with the people who they meet while volunteering, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Kathie knew that Otto would enjoy volunteering as a Therapy Dog.
- What it was like to welcome Otto home after his short tenure as a working Guide Dog.
- What the future looks like for Kathie and Otto and their plans for her husband and youngest dog to join them.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @ottosgoldenheart.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Charlene never runs out of projects but her favorite one is volunteering as a Therapy Dog team with her Great Dane, Grey.
In this 30th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Charlene who recently completed over 200 volunteer Therapy Dog visits through Alliance of Therapy Dogs with her Great Dane, Grey.
Charlene fell in love with Great Danes at 12 years old but had to wait until she was 20 to bring home her first Dane, and heart dog, Emmet. Her hope was to become a Therapy Dog team with Emmet but she quickly discovered that it was not a life that he would enjoy as he was nervous and fearful which in turn made him reactive.
When Grey passed, Charlene was heartbroken but the timing was right to bring home a new Great Dane puppy who she named Grey in honor of Emmet's coat color. She focused on providing positive socialization experiences for Grey, protecting his optimism, and they were able to not only pass their Therapy Dog test at 14 months old and during the pandemic but to also complete 200 visits within their first year.
Charlene and Grey are truly an over the top pet therapy team and her passion shines through as she shares their experiences and what she does to take it up a notch and make a lasting impact on top of bringing smiles.
If you're ready to catch Charlene's contagious energy and harness it for your own experiences, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- Why Charlene decided she wanted to train a Great Dane as a Therapy Dog.
- What it was like to find places to volunteer during the pandemic and how her solutions led to over 200 visits.
- What Charlene is doing to help support other pet therapy teams to make an impact.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @grey_thegreatdane.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
A career changed Guide Dog can often thrive as a Therapy Dog and puppy raiser Hallie’s journey with Buddy is a great example.
In this 29th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Hallie to hear about her experiences as a puppy raiser for Southeastern Guide Dogs. Currently, Hallie is raising Apgar to be a future Guide Dog, following in the steps of her previous puppies Quirt and Clarke, and shares why Buddy was career changed and what about their experience led her to train him to be a Therapy Dog working in practice with her at a psychiatric facility.
When it turned out that Buddy wasn't going to move forward in the Guide Dog program, Hallie wandered what she could have done differently while raising him and when she had the opportunity to adopt him, as his puppy raiser, she said yes. Going from training to be a Guide Dog to training for Animal Assisted Therapy had its own unique challenges, but Hallie was happy to find that Buddy really came into his own in this new role and that he developed an ability to work a crowd—bringing joy to everyone around him.
Hallie is an excellent story teller and you will not want to miss the impactful moments of Buddy's journey that she shared with me on this episode including a specific example of how she was able to help an individual rejoin their community through the important work of 1:1 modeling through involving them in Buddy's grooming and discussing the impact it has on him as a dog. This individual was able to apply that experience to themself in a way that nobody else could teach.
If you're ready to learn more about what it's like to be a Guide Dog puppy raiser and to provide Animal Assisted Therapy at a psychiatric hospital in Georgia, during a pandemic no-less, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Buddy's hatred of crates and love of people led him to continue Lulu's legacy.
- What it can look like when a dog is able to thrive through a change in roles.
- What Hallie finds most rewarding about being a puppy raiser for Guide Dogs and working in Animal Assisted Therapy.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @goingfarwith_apgar.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Different breeds bring their own unique challenges but Cheyanne is up for the task with her Therapy Beagle, Tiana.
In this 28th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Cheyanne to hear about her experiences voluntering with her Therapy Beagle, Tiana, as well as the hound-specific challenges she’s found along the way with Tiana, Sophie, and Mardi.
While Cheyanne and Tiana aren’t the first hound handlers we’ve had on the show, I originally met them through a conversation about how to help Beagles, and their other sniffy cousins, disengage from food smells when volunteering at the airport. We definitely dove into this topic as part of our interview so be sure to check it out if you’d like to learn more about what Cheyanne has learned in owning three Beagles and how that has impacted her therapy dog training.
If you live near Phoenix, Arizona, Cheyanne has shared her experiences volunteering with her therapy animals in several local organizations as well as therapy dog training opportunities from Alliance of Therapy Dogs Test Observers in the area and even a local assisted living facility that permits Therapy Dogs in Training to begin practicing with their residents.
Cheyanne is a wealth of information, passionate about volunteering, and full of joy and generosity, so if you’re ready to learn about Therapy Dogs in Phoenix, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How a veteran encounter at a dog park encouraged Cheyanne to pursue volunteering with her first Beagle, Sophie.
- Why Cheyanne decided to carry forward Sophie’s Therapy Beagle legacy with her new hound, Tiana.
- What Cheyanne and Sophie enjoy about therapy animal opportunities available in Phoenix.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @hound_dog_fitness.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Happy National Therapy Animal Day to all the very special animals out there impacting others with the aid of their handlers!
If you’re not familiar, @PetPartners founded this day in 2015 and so I was honored to be joined by Elisabeth Van Every, Senior Communications Specialist and Managing Editor of @petpartners for this bonus episode of @therapydogtalk to talk about the history of this special day, how you can get involved, and to celebrate therapy animals together.
Give it a listen to learn more about the work being done to recognize, validate, and celebrate the work of Therapy Animals.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Have you ever wondered what it's like for an Assistance Dog to volunteer as a Therapy Animal?
In this 27th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Evelyn to hear about her experiences training her Cavalier Indie to be an Assistance Dog for herself as well as a volunteer Therapy Dog through Story Dog Australia.
Assistance Dogs, also known as Service Animals depending on where you're located in the world, and Therapy Dogs are two very different roles with different access rights and responsibilities. If you need a quick refresher on the two, as well as Emotional Support Animals, check out What’s the difference between a Service Dog, an ESA, and a Therapy Dog?
Evelyn and Indie no longer volunteer through Story Dog Australia a they have recently moved to London; however, they do have plans to continue their volunteer work through Pets as Therapy and shared what that transition will look like.
Their story may remind you a bit of Donna and Zoe, a Therapy Dog team training to be an Allergen Detection Dog, and Jeena and Juno, a Pets as Therapy team that moved from London back home to Korea. So if you like this episode, make sure you add those two to your playlist!
Evelyn and I shared quite a few moments of laughter together, so if you're ready to hear about their journey, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- What Evelyn looked for in an Assistance Dog which led her to finding Indie.
- How impactful a program like Story Dog Australia can be to build confidence in children.
- What their plans are to continue Therapy Dog work now that they've relocated from Australia to London.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @cav_indie.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Kristin has big plans for Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy with her rescue dog Winston!
In this 26th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Kristin to hear about her plans for Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy and her experience as an Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) team with her dog Winston as they come up on their one-year anniversary of volunteer work together.
We were also joined by Elise, a Tester/Observer for ATD and my co-host for the week, and our pups Sunny and Moosh.
(Our original recording location fell through so my apologies in advance for the connection on our end.)
Kristin found out about Animal Assisted Therapy through her career as an Occupational Therapist. She has encountered several dogs doing the work and knew that when the timing was right she wanted to find her own canine therapy partner.
Kristin also knew that she wanted to rescue so when she found a friendly Aussie-Coonhound puppy with glowing reviews from his foster parent, she brought him home with the goal of working together one day.
April 2022 mark their one year anniversary of being a volunteer Therapy Dog team together and she has learned quite a bit along the way that will help to inform their future work together in Occupational Therapy.
If you're ready to hear about Kristin and Winston's journey, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- What Kristin looked for in a rescue dog with Animal Assisted Occupational Therapy in mind.
- The differences between organizations and tips on how to find the right fit for you.
- Kristin's preliminary research on Therapy Dogs and children on the Autism spectrum.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @winston_the_aussie_coonhound.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Did you know Therapy Dog organizations have Junior Handlers and that their requirements differ from adults?
In this 25th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Katelyn to hear about her experience as Junior Handler for Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD). She recently turned 18 so she also let us in on what it takes to transition from Junior Handler to Handler and how that will open up different volunteer opportunities for her and her pup Ace.
Katelyn found about Therapy Dogs through her local American Kennel Club (AKC) friends who volunteer with their toy spaniels. She recognized that Ace would enjoy therapy work and began training him. After two year of volunteering, Katelyn has quite a bit to share about their experiences as a Therapy Dog team and what she and Ace enjoy the most.
In 2020, Katelyn also took on breeding beginning with a litter of Skye Terriers. Her experiences with Therapy Dog work have impacted how she raises her puppies and led to the development of what she calls "Puppy Culture".
If you're ready to get to hear about Katelyn and Ace's journey as a Junior Handler Therapy Dog team, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- What it's like to be a Junior Handler and how Katelyn's opportunities will change when she can volunteer on her own.
- Ace's extreme love of people and how that has impacted the way that she raises her new puppies.
- Katelyn's history of competing with Ace and how it connects to her work as a Therapy Dog team and breeder.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @skyward_farms.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Whoever said you cant teach an adult Labrador new tricks has not met Tori and her pups Lucy and Burt.
In this 24th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I had the privilege of speaking with Tori about her experience in certifying her adult Labrador Lucy to be a Therapy Dog at age 6. Burt may not be a Therapy Dog, but he's learning new things, too!
Tori started her blog Wear Wag Repeat 9 years ago when Lucy was only 1. She loves to try new things with her dogs and even sets goals for what she's going to do with them each year. After regretting that she did not certify her previous dog Lola for Therapy Dog work, she couldn't miss the opportunity to train and certify Lucy.
As with most of us, COVID disrupted their visits but Tori didn't let that stop her and was able to make a pivot from assisted living to college students. Lucy found her groove in her new environment and they resumed their work.
If you're ready to get to hear about Tori and Lucy's journey to Certified Therapy Dog, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How an encounter with a child let Tori knew Lucy had the right temperament for therapy work.
- What Tori used as a (not-so-secret now) trick to help Lucy pass her therapy test.
- Tori's reminder to enjoy the ride and to remember that there are always opportunities.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @tmistick.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Welcome to the 23rd episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Jess of @handlersandhumans who shared:
➡️ How she got involved with Animal Assisted Therapy as a mental health professional.
➡️ What it was like to train her reactive dog Dio to be a Therapy Dog.
➡️ When she knew that Dio was not enjoying therapy work.
➡️ How their journey led her to creating a coaching program for reactive dog owners.
➡️ What advice she has for someone interested in pursuing Therapy Dog work.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then find support at @handlersandhumans.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Welcome to the 22nd episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Jeena of @unimpressedhusky who shared:
➡️ How she discovered the role of Therapy Dogs at a @petsastherapy_uk event with @dogfuriendly while living in London for a year.
➡️ What it has been like to rehab Juno from not being able to bend her back legs to becoming an agility dog.
➡️ What it was like to work through the Therapy Dog training criteria on their own for several months.
➡️ How their lockdown stockpile of toilet paper and water led to a love of agility.
➡️ How their experience in London has led them to collaborate with others in their area to pioneer Therapy Dog work in Korea.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey and at @unimpressedhusky and check out their dog bakery and boutique at @furalldogs.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Welcome to the 21st episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Hailey of @darrelthedoge who shared:
➡️ Why she decided to focus on trick training as a precursor to Therapy Dog training.
➡️ How she tries to make each piece of their day intentional for their focus work and training goals.
➡️ How she discovered Therapy Dogs through the work that she does in memory care and the impact she has seen from animals working with people living with dementia.
➡️ What intimidated her about training Darrel to be a Therapy Dog and who inspired her.
➡️ How the journey to Therapy Dog is not as linear or flawless as we often perceive it to be.
Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey and see Darrel in action as the office dog at @darrelthedoge.
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Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don’t know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.
Welcome to the twentieth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Michelle of @buffy_the_therapy_pup who shared:
➡️ How she became interested in Therapy Dog work before she had her own dog by hearing friends talk about a reading program.
➡️ Why she thought Buffy would enjoy being a Therapy Dog based on how she would greet everyone she met as a puppy.
➡️ What it was like to hit adolescence in the middle of training to be a Therapy Dog and how a therapy course got her back on track.
➡️ The difference between complex and predictable scores in the @PetPartners test and why you want to consider where you volunteer based on the temperament of your dog.
➡️ What it was like to become an evaluator for new Therapy Dog teams.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful! Don’t forget to follow their journey and see Buffy in action at @buffy_the_therapy_pup.
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the nineteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Elise of @mooshthetherapydog who shared:
➡️ How she went from cat person to therapy dog team with Moosh and, recently, tester/observer.
➡️ Why she decided to get certified through a National therapy dog organization after moving from Tennessee to California.
➡️ What it’s like to test through @allianceoftherapydogs.
➡️ How she was surprised to find how invested she is in a team’s progress when evaluating them.
➡️ What Moosh loves about being a therapy dog.
Give it a listen and be sure to let us know which part you found the most helpful.
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the eighteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Thea of @bentleyontheblock who shared:
➡️ How she discovered the role of Therapy Dogs (spoiler: it was by meeting a doberman Therapy Dog!).
➡️ What Bentley would enjoy about being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ What has surprised her in her journey towards Bentley being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ How she hopes Bentley will help the people who she works with as a Social Worker.
➡️ What she recommends for others who are interested in getting into Therapy Dog work.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @bentleyontheblock!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the seventeenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Casie of @pawsitivepointers who shared:
➡️ What it’s been like to train two German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) for therapy dog work.
➡️ How she knew Kimbee would enjoy being a therapy dog.
➡️ What signs she looked for to see which environment Kimbee would do best in.
➡️ What it’s like to be part of the #MCOPawPilots program at @flymco.
➡️ How you can help fight kids’ cancer by donating to @stbaldricks through the link in their bio at @pawsitivepointers.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @pawsitivepointers!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the sixteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Lori of @tiny_legs_luna and @low_rider_comet who shared:
➡️ Why her dogs are in two different pet therapy organizations.
➡️ How Luna’s obedience training led to a future as a therapy dog.
➡️ What her process was like to figure out which settings Comet would do best in.
➡️ What surprised her about being a therapy dog team and what she looks forward to.
➡️ How this work helps her to build her relationship with each of her dogs.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @tiny_legs_luna and @low_rider_comet!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the fifteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Melissa of @heythere.rainbow who shared:
➡️ How she learned about Therapy Dogs while training Rainbow.
➡️ Which educational settings they’re thinking about volunteering with.
➡️ Why it matters to volunteer somewhere both the human and the dog feel comfortable.
➡️ What Rainbow will enjoy about being a Therapy Dog and what Melissa looks forward to.
➡️ Rainbow’s love of dock diving and other sports.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @heythere.rainbow!
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Bonus: I also mentioned the new episode of @queereye featuring @safeinaustinrescue and equine therapy. Check it out to see animal assisted therapy in action - but grab some tissues to watch.
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the fourteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Susan of @little_ace_dog who shared:
➡️ How she learned about Therapy Dogs while training Ace.
➡️ How timing is everything when testing your dog for this work.
➡️ What it’s like to volunteer on a college campus.
➡️ What Ace enjoys about being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ What surprised her about becoming a Therapy Dog team.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @little_ace_dog!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the thirteenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Chris of @colethedeafdog who shared:
➡️ How adopting Cole led him to learn about Therapy Dogs.
➡️ Why having a deaf dog can help when doing Therapy Dog work.
➡️ Where he and Cole volunteer in addition to his school.
➡️ What Cole enjoys about being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ How Cole’s breed and disability help to encourage others while teaching inclusion and acceptance.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @colethedeafdog!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the twelfth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode we interviewed Merin of @poodlegoesshopping who shared:
➡️ How she discovered Therapy Dogs and why she wanted to volunteer with @laxpups through @allianceoftherapydogs.
➡️ Why she decided to get a standard poodle.
➡️ What training path they took to prepare for Therapy Dog work.
➡️ What Dazu enjoys about being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ What it’s like to volunteer as a Therapy Dog team at a major international airport (and where you should look for them when you fly).
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @poodlegoesshopping!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the eleventh episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Jennie of @helperharvey who shared:
➡️ How she discovered Therapy Dogs and why she wanted to have one for occupational therapy.
➡️ Why she decided to get a labradoodle.
➡️ What Harvey enjoys about being a Therapy Dog.
➡️ How she decided to go through the therapy dog organization @loveonaleashsan.
➡️ Their recent accomplishment with the #52HikeChallenge.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @helperharvey!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the tenth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Jackie of @labradoodlemystique who shared:
➡️ Her personal experience that led her to registering Savanna as a Therapy Dog.
➡️ How Mango and Savanna went through different journeys to Therapy Dog.
➡️ How Mango and Savanna differ in their roles and preferences in Therapy Dog work.
➡️ What it’s like to be a First Responder Therapy Dog and the role of self-care when volunteering as a Therapy Dog team.
➡️ The importance of helping your dogs to practice self-care by managing what they can handle on a visit.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @labradoodlemystique!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the ninth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Nilda of @callme.mylo who shared:
➡️ The struggle of finding out how to get started as a Therapy Dog and how Instagram helped.
➡️ Why and where she decided to pursue volunteering as a Therapy Dog team with Mylo.
➡️ How their future plans with volunteer work were disrupted by lockdown.
➡️ What it was like to re-test after lockdown.
➡️ The importance of knowing if your dog is enjoying the work and being aware that they change.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @callme.mylo!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the eighth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Erica of @therapydogcharlie who shared:
➡️ When Erica realized Charlie was her heart dog.
➡️ How Charlie went from shelter dog to foster fail to Therapy Dog.
➡️ What their training journey was like.
➡️ Things to consider when having a Therapy Dog in a school setting.
➡️ Why you might want to consider a rescue dog in your search for a Therapy Dog.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @therapydogcharlie!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the seventh episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Donna of @zoedoodle_therapydog who shared:
➡️ How being a nurse led to an interest in becoming a therapy dog team.
➡️ How she decided to train Zoe as a therapy dog.
➡️ What a Guardian Mom is and how that experience has been.
➡️ What Zoe enjoys about being a therapy dog and how they chose where to volunteer.
➡️ Zoe’s recent training to become an allergy detection dog and what has been most challenging.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow their journey at @zoedoodle_therapydog!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the sixth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Kara of @dog.like.me who shared:
➡️ How she found @walterduffydog and what breed he truly is - have you heard of his breed?
➡️ What their training journey has been like.
➡️ The variety of environments where therapy dogs can volunteer and what other types of therapy animals have been spotted.
➡️ How registering through @therapy_dogs_international shaped where she wants to volunteer.
➡️ The importance of knowing your legal protection from the organization you volunteer through and how you can supplement your coverage.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to submit your story to @dog.like.me!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the fifth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Adele of @thepawfectmatchshop who shared:
➡️ Why she decided to go into Animal Assisted Therapy.
➡️ How she found and trained Rosie (@the_therapup).
➡️ What she’s looking forward to about being a new therapy dog team.
➡️ How Rosie inspired her to start her own accessories line and a sneak peek of how that line will tailor to therapy dogs.
➡️ Rosie’s 2020 Hanukkah experience.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow @thepawfectmatchshop to stay updated on their journey!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the fourth episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Maddie of @social_work_therapy_dog who shared:
➡️ Her plans for Jovie to work with her in Animal Assisted Social Work.
➡️ How she discovered she could work with dogs in her mental health career.
➡️ The importance of the dog enjoying therapy work and why Millie wouldn't.
➡️ How she found, selected, and trained Jovie and how she funded it through her company @millie_girl_merch.
➡️ Her experience working with crisis response dogs through @hopeaacr and how they differ from therapy dogs.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow @social_work_therapy_dog to continue to follow their journey!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Welcome to the third episode of Therapy Dog Talk: a weekly interview of Therapy Dog teams.
In this episode, we interviewed Dr. Maggie Dou of @thattherapydoodle who shared:
➡️ How she learned about incorporating dogs into her practice from a colleague.
➡️ How you can get involved with @operation.sticker.licker, created by @mika_moo17.
➡️ How she knew what to look for when bringing Dorothy into her life and work.
➡️ Why they decided to go through @alliancetherapydogs.
➡️ Their experience at The @txst Animal-Assisted Counseling (AAC) Academy.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful and don't forget to follow @thattherapydoodle to continue to follow their journey!
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
What's it like to be a Therapy Dog in Training? Taylor is here to share her experiences and expectations with her Labradoodle.
In this second episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Taylor to hear about her experiences and expectations with her Therapy Dog in Training, Benson aka "Benny". Taylor is a mental health advocate and can trace her interest in therapy dogs back to her time working with an on-campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illnes (NAMI).
At the time of this recording, mini Labradoodle Benson is almost two years old and is two months into his training journey for pet therapy. Taylor and Benson participated in an eight week course through Canine Coach that prepared them for the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen (CGC) exam as well as the Therapy Dog evaluation from both Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International (TDI). Taylor plans to register through Pet Partners as she feels most at home in clinical environments and the ones in her area predominately work with Pet Partners.
In talking about our respective training journeys, we get transparent about our non-linear imperfect journeys with our (hopefully) future canine therapy partners. We discuss the importance of the dog enjoying the work as well as the handler and how it might turn out that we decide Therapy Dog team is not the right path forward for either of us—and that's okay.
If you're ready to hear more about Taylor's journey with her Therapy Dog in training Benson, let's dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Taylor coordinated with Therapy Dogs while in college.
- The importance of an open mind while working towards becoming a pet therapy team.
- What it's been like to train a Mini Labradoodle while the world is shut down.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful! Don't forget to follow @bensonupnorth to stay up to date on their journey.
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.
Have you ever wondered what to expect when volunteering as a school Therapy Dog team?
In this inagural episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I sat down with Barbara to hear about her experiences volunteering as a school Therapy Dog team with her Goldendoodle, Carmel. Barbara is a college professor who just wanted to be able to enjoy walking her dog. In working with a trainer, she discovered that Carmel may be a good fit for a Therapy Dog and decided to pursue further training towards that goal. They became a Therapy Dogs International (TDI) team in 2018.
During the pandemic, Barbara not only found time to collaborate with teachers on how to bring innovative pet therapy experiences to the virtual classroom but she also learned how to self-publish her experiences training and volunteering with Carmel. These two books, listed below, are well worth your time but before you run to grab them you want want to miss this episode and the stories she shares of how she’s seen Carmel transform the children they visit.
If you’re ready to learn more about what it’s like to aid a teacher in Animal Assisted Education, through volunteering as a pet therapy team, during a pandemic no-less, let’s dive in:
In this episode, we discuss …
- How Barbara knew that Carmel would enjoy volunteering as a school Therapy Dog.
- The long-term impact Carmel’s visits make on the children she meets.
- Barbara’s experience self-publishing to share the power of pet therapy with more teachers and parents.
Give it a listen and let us know which part you found the most helpful! Don't forget to follow @dr.barb.educator and add her books to your reading list. 📚
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Are you feeling lost on your journey to Therapy Dog team? Check out my free guide to help you get started: freeguide.therapydogtalk.com
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Therapy Dog Talk originates as an Instagram Live on @sunnysbestlife.